Vol. MMIEditor: Lloyd JohnsonIssue: February/March
Vol. MMIEditor: Lloyd JohnsonIssue: February/March
Major Landslide:
The big news at Black’s Beach is the February 15th landslide. Nobody could recall a bigger one. The landslide occurred at an area between the two main trails. I’ll describe it so that you might understand just where it is. I have before and after pics on my web page, so you can see for yourself.
It buried an area where I spent many days, including the Labor Day picnic. There was a cliff rescue of a hang glider pilot Labor Day weekend, in that same spot. Pablo used to play volleyball there and people often pitch horseshoes nearby.
The landslide nearly buried our only palm tree. The palm tree is just south of the landslide. This palm tree was nearly buried two years ago in a much smaller landslide.
Names of Places:
Some of my friends say Kevin’s cove was destroyed by this landslide, but I doubt you all called it that. In fact, I have found that everybody, including lifeguards and rangers, call places at Black’s by different names. I’ve even heard the same name used to describe different places.
I would like to collect names that people use for spots on the beach. Then I’d like to compare these names against other claims and come up with definitive names for all places. This would be useful in describing events at Black’s, arranging meetings and calling emergency services. Hopefully these names will stick, but they will have to change as the coastline changes.
If you would like to contribute, please contact me, on the beach, in cyberspace, or write me.
Events:
We are in the process of planning a Memorial Day picnic. I plan to try the abalone cookout again. I would like to tell you more, like time and place, but we’ve been displaced from our usual place by the landslide. It’s difficult to get all concerned parties present to discuss a new spot, when it’s still winter. Look for details in the April newsletter.
Weather:
Recently the weather at Black’s has been cold and cloudy. This is, after all, our rainy season. Here it is mid March and finally the weather has improved.
Beach Access:
The trail has suffered only minor damage from the latest storms. That damage has been quickly repaired by Black’s Beach Diggers. Both Steve and Robert beat their trail building citations.
Etiquette:
I realize that not everybody agrees with the nude beach etiquette I post. But the fact of the matter is that failing to follow these guidelines endangers the clothing optional status of our beach. People don’t talk about closing a drive-in theatre because people are having sex there, but they do talk about closing our beach when we are less than perfect.
Nude beach etiquette is a set of standards, often left unspoken. It leaves offenders without the excuse of ignorance. Etiquette informs newcomers what to expect and that they are not alone. Nobody should feel that they are facing rude people alone.
Nude Beach Etiquette
Don’t go out of established nude areas. To wander nude into clothing compulsive territory may offend many, and undermine our objectives. The beach you save may be your own.
No overt sexual activity. Nude is not lewd, but combined with sex, it undermines our image and could cost us our freedom and enjoyment of the beach.
Do not photograph people without their permission. It is common courtesy to ask first. Not everyone wants to end up in a stranger's photo album. Never photograph any children but your own.
Respect other’s privacy. Many are at the beach for quiet time. Don't monopolize a person's time unless the welcome mat is out. Recognize when you are unwelcome.
Speak up for our standards. If a person seems unaware of beach etiquette, explain it kindly and plainly. Give them a copy of "Nude Beach Etiquette". Don't let uncouth individuals ruin our fragile and beautiful place under the sun. The beach you save could be your own.
Pack it in, pack it out. There is no trash collection at Black’s Beach. If you carried it down, you must carry it back up. It is recommended that you pack out a little more than you packed in. Not everyone packs theirs out and much trash washes up from other beaches.
A Contribution From Rose Man:
I had to evacuate my quarters at the time of the Viejas fire. Yes, there was smoke as far away as La Mesa! I decided I was not getting much work done anyway, and it was definitely time for some fresh air.
And the beach truly was a sight to behold. At least there was fresh air for the breathing, but further overhead, the smoke continued all the way out over the ocean as far as the eye could see.
Then the sunset was something out of science fiction. I really wish I had had a camera with me, although I also have to question how much a mere picture of the event could ever convey.
The sun was as red as a glowing ember, and this was early in its descent. Later, as I climbed the cliffs, the sun at times was entirely obscured by a plume of smoke streaking outward toward the horizon. And to the extent that the sun was able to pierce that plume at all, it was blood red.
Black's Beach is always majestic. And yet sometimes the sheer range of majesty is utterly awesome.
I invite other contributions. And, there is room on the bulletin board for opposing viewpoints, so long as you take responsibility by putting your name on it. A nickname would be fine. After all, we all know who Rose Man is and I even have his picture on my web page.